Look at this website for a comparison between a Nimitz-class carrier and the Freedom Of The Seas. Don't confuse GRT with actual weight. The Nimitz displaces 97,000 tons and this is different than a GRT (gross registered ton), which is a measure of volume.

Essentially, both ships are about as long and about as wide except for the flight deck. The big thing is the draft, the more the better in rough seas. In the case of the Nimitz, that 37 feet of draft also includes a good part of two really heavy reactor plants. Another thing is cruise ships have stabilizers and carriers don't.

thanks dave, that's good stuff - i never did fully understand a ship's measurement

so, since the ships are roughly of equal size, and the Freedom has stabilizers while the Nimitz has a larger draft, is it possible that passengers could witness a similar sight during there cruise around the horn?

You can bet that many hapless sailors have lost their dinghies in those waters. Mel Fisher's crew could probably pay of the national debt with the potential salvage of that section of Davy Jones' locker.